Starting December 2026, eligible young men will be automatically registered for the U.S. military draft, streamlining the process and reducing administrative costs.
The U.S. federal government will automatically register eligible men for the military draft starting in December, according to a proposed rule from the Selective Service System (SSS). Congress approved automatic registration last December as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which funds military operations. “This statutory change transfers responsibility for registration from individual men to SSS through integration with federal data sources,” the agency said.
Currently, most men between 18 and 25 are required to register with SSS, with late registration accepted until age 26. Failure to register is a felony, punishable by up to $250,000 in fines, five years in prison, and potential loss of student loans, government jobs, or citizenship for immigrants. The policy aims to streamline registration and reduce administrative costs.
Forty-six states and territories already automatically register men through driver’s license or ID applications. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan said the change will redirect resources toward military readiness rather than registration campaigns. While the U.S. has not held a draft since Vietnam, concerns have grown amid the ongoing Iran conflict.
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